Colorado caps residential security deposits at two months' rent. Landlords must return the deposit, with an itemized written statement of any deductions, within 30 days of lease termination (up to 60 days if the lease says so). Willful retention exposes a landlord to treble damages plus attorney fees.
Under Colo. Rev. Stat. § 38-12-102.5, a landlord may not require a security deposit exceeding two months' rent (effective August 7, 2023). Section 38-12-103, as amended by HB25-1249 effective January 1, 2026, requires the deposit to be returned within 30 days after lease termination or surrender of the premises, or a longer period set by the lease "but not to exceed sixty days." If any amount is withheld, the landlord must provide "a written statement listing the exact reasons for the retention." Missing the deadline waives the landlord's right to keep any portion. A landlord is presumed to have withheld an unreasonable amount if the retention is 125% or more of actual damages.
Willful retention of a deposit in violation of § 38-12-103 makes a landlord liable for "treble the amount of that portion of the security deposit wrongfully withheld," plus reasonable attorney fees and court costs. The tenant must give 7 days' written notice before suing.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Littleton, CO
Littleton regulates construction noise through Title 7, Chapter 3 and Colorado state law CRS Section 25-12-103. Construction projects are subject to industri...
Littleton, CO
Littleton City Code Title 7, Chapter 3 (Noise Control, Sections 7-3-1 through 7-3-13) regulates sound levels citywide. Residential district limits are 55 dB ...
Littleton, CO
Littleton regulates barking dogs under Title 6, Chapter 2 (Dogs and Cats) and the general noise ordinance (Title 7, Ch. 3). Persistent barking that disturbs ...
Littleton, CO
Littleton's ULUC and building code regulate driveway construction and use. Vehicles may park on improved (paved) driveways. Colorado state law prohibits park...
Littleton, CO
Littleton regulates RV and boat storage through its ULUC (Title 10) and parking ordinances. Recreational vehicles parked on public streets are subject to the...
Littleton, CO
Littleton's ULUC (Title 10) restricts commercial vehicle parking in residential areas. Large commercial vehicles, heavy equipment, and vehicles over specifie...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Arapahoe County.
See how Littleton's security deposit rules rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.